How to Perform Umrah: A Step-by-Step Guide

Umrah is one of the most significant and revered pilgrimages in Islam. While it is not obligatory like Hajj, performing Umrah is a highly recommended act of worship for Muslims. Umrah can be undertaken at any time of the year, unlike Hajj, which is performed during specific dates in the Islamic calendar. The rites of Umrah involve a series of physical and spiritual activities, each of which holds deep religious meaning.

If you’re planning to perform Umrah, here’s a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to perform the pilgrimage:

Step 1: Preparation and Intention (Niyyah)

Before embarking on your Umrah Journey, it’s essential to prepare yourself spiritually and mentally. 

Intention (Niyyah): A pilgrim must make a sincere intention to perform Umrah for the sake of Allah (SWT). The intention should be made in the heart, as it is not necessary to vocalize it.

Tawbah (Repentance):Seek forgiveness from Allah (SWT) for any sins you may have committed. This is an opportunity to purify yourself before entering the holy city of Makkah.

Physical Preparation:Ensure that you’re in good health, as Umrah involves walking long distances and performing physical activities.

Travel Arrangements: Organize your travel to Makkah. Make sure you’ve booked your accommodation and transportation well in advance.

Step 2: Entering the State of Ihram

Ihram is a state of spiritual purity that a Muslim must enter before performing the rites of Umrah.

Wear Ihram Clothing:

For men:The Ihram garment consists of two white unstitched pieces of cloth — one worn around the waist (izaar) and the other draped over the shoulders (rida).

For women:Women wear a simple dress that covers their body fully, ensuring modesty. A headscarf should also be worn.

Make the Intention (Niyyah) for Umrah:Once you’re dressed in Ihram, declare your intention to perform Umrah by saying, “Labbaik Allahumma Umrah” (Here I am, O Allah, performing Umrah).

Recite the Talbiyah:After declaring your intention, recite the Talbiyah: 

“Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk. Labbayk La Sharika Laka Labbayk. Innal Hamda Wal-Ni’mata Laka Wal-Mulk. La Sharika Laka.”

This is an expression of your readiness to answer Allah’s call.

Step 3: Entering Makkah

Once you arrive in Makkah, it’s time to proceed to Masjid al-Haram, the mosque that surrounds the Ka’bah.

Make Dua (Supplication):Upon entering the mosque, it’s recommended to make du’a (supplications) for yourself and others. Many pilgrims pray for forgiveness, mercy, and blessings.

Focus on the Ka’bah:As you approach the Ka’bah, try to catch your first sight of it. The Ka’bah is the holiest structure in Islam, and its sight is highly emotional for many pilgrims.

Step 4: Tawaf (Circumambulation of the Ka’bah)

Tawaf is one of the core rituals of Umrah. It involves walking around the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction.

Start from the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad): If possible, touch or kiss the Black Stone, but if it’s not possible due to crowds, simply point to it as you begin your Tawaf.

Circumambulate the Kaaba Seven Times:As you walk around the Ka’bah, remember to keep your heart focused on Allah and make supplications. Each round is considered an act of devotion.

Dua During Tawaf: During your Tawaf, you may make personal supplications. Many pilgrims recite prayers or simply speak to Allah from their hearts.

Tawaf for Men: While performing Tawaf, men should uncover their right shoulder and wear the Ihram garment in a manner where their right shoulder is exposed, a practice known as “Ramal.”

Step 5: Praying at the Maqam Ibrahim (Station of Ibrahim)

After completing the Tawaf, proceed to pray two rak’ahs at Maqam Ibrahim, which is a designated area near the Ka’bah. It is recommended to pray facing the Ka’bah and to recite Surah Al-Fatiha and another Surah of your choice.

Step 6: Performing the Sa’i (Walking between Safa and Marwah)

Sa’i is another key component of Umrah. It involves walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah.

Start at Safa:Begin your walk at the Safa hill, facing the Ka’bah. It is recommended to make a supplication here before starting the walk.

Walk to Marwah: Walk towards Marwah, keeping in mind that the distance between Safa and Marwah is about 450 meters. During this walk, make duas or personal supplications.

Repeat the Walk Seven Times:The walk between Safa and Marwah must be done seven times, and this concludes the Sa’i ritual.

Finish at Marwah: After the seventh round, you should be standing at Marwah. Make a final supplication here.

Step 7: Shaving or Trimming the Hair

The final step in completing Umrah is to either shave the head or trim the hair.

For Men:It is recommended for men to shave their heads (taqsir) to symbolize renewal and purification. If not, they can trim their hair (qasr) equally from all sides.

For Women:Women should trim a small portion of their hair, usually about the length of a fingertip, from the ends.

Step 8: Completing the Umrah

Once you have shaved or trimmed your hair, you have completed the rites of Umrah. You can now exit the state of Ihram by changing your clothes and resuming normal activities.

Additional Tips:

1.Remain in a state of Wudu: Always maintain a state of ritual purity (wudu) during your time in Makkah.

2.Be patient: Umrah can be physically demanding due to the crowds, so be patient and calm in your worship.

3.Make Du’a: Keep praying for yourself, your loved ones, and all Muslims around the world. This is an ideal time to seek Allah’s mercy and blessings.

4.Performing Optional Prayers: You may offer additional prayers (nafl) at any time during your stay in Makkah, especially after completing the main rites.

Transportation:

When traveling for Umrah, Transportation is an essential part of the journey, as it helps pilgrims move between important locations in Saudi Arabia, such as the cities of Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. Here’s a breakdown of the common modes of transportation used during Umrah:

Conclusion

Performing Umrah is a deeply spiritual experience that allows Muslims to renew their faith and seek closeness to Allah. Each of the rituals of Umrah carries its own significance and helps to purify the soul. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can perform Umrah with devotion and sincerity. May your journey be blessed, and may your prayers be answered.